Statement by the Russian Federation Regarding Pink Salmon
(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

The introduction of pink salmon to the rivers of the White Sea in Russia started in the 1950s aimed at enhancing fisheries in the Arctic regions of the Russian Federation. The introduction of odd year spawning line laid the foundation for the growth of its natural production in the new area.

Pink salmon has existed in the North Atlantic environment for decades along with the native species, Atlantic salmon, and has been harvested in commercial and recreational fisheries in northwest Russia since the 1960s. Pink salmon in the Russian Federation is a fisheries-targeted species and not considered as an invasive species. Fisheries for both Atlantic salmon and pink salmon are carried out in accordance with Article 29.1 of Federal Law 166 FZ of 20 Dec 2004 “On fisheries and conservation of aquatic biological resources” and management of stocks is based on decisions of regional commissions for regulation of fisheries of anadromous fish. 

There is no evidence of an adverse impact of pink salmon on Atlantic salmon reproduction at present and the increase in pink salmon abundance in remote areas of Russia is believed to provide socio-economic benefits for regional economies through commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing. 

The numbers of pink salmon arriving to Russian rivers are quite comparable with those in Norway and removal through harvesting is significant. The goal of the pink salmon stock management in Russia is to effectively harvest it to contain its production and keep at environmentally safe level.